Fenton Football's Season Ends with Loss to Lowell

The Fenton football team had chances to compete with Lowell, but the Tigers failed to make the big play when they needed it and failed to bring down star quarterback Gabe Dean.

The Tigers suffered a 35-14 defeat in the Regional Championship at Lowell High School Saturday, bringing their season to a close.

"We had a solid performance against a hell of a team that will probably go on to states," Fenton senior linebacker Joseph DeLavergne said. "A play here, a play there, we just fell on the unlucky side of the ball. They made plays. We made plays, but just fell a little short."

The Red Arrows converted several third and fourth downs on offense, as Dean made many key runs and passes in pressure situations in addition to his three rushing scores. Dean also tallied 234 rushing yards on 32 carries.

Lowell was 10-for-13 on third down conversions and on those missed three conversions, they were able to convert on fourth down.

Lowell's defense also stopped the Tigers short when they needed a big play.

"It's so frustrating to get so close on so many different occasions that it breaks your spirit," Fenton senior linebacker Conor Muntin said. "They are a good football team.

Fenton didn't make any big mistakes, besides a fumble in the first quarter, but let Dean, an all-state player, slip through too many tackles and complete too many passes at key moments.

"Had we been a little more efficient, maybe we change that game a little," Fenton coach Jeff Setzke said. "As disheartening as this is, we are not far away."

After two Red Arrow scores, Fenton struck with a one-yard touchdown run from Houston Shaw in the second quarter to cut the lead to 13-7, but wouldn't score again until late in the fourth quarter on a 63-yard pass play from Shaw to Gerad Wegener when Lowell had already tallied 35 points.

Fenton ends the season at 9-3 with two districts championships in two years.

"I think a lot of people are going to remember this team. It was a fun year," DeLavergne said. "We start off as a team and become a family. The ride was great."

Lowell (11-1) will move on to host Walled Lake Western in the Division 2 state semifinals.